Denzel Washington thinks "bad guys have more fun".

The actor explained that playing a villain gives you more interpretive freedom because they are not bound by a moral compass.

The Hollywood star has portrayed his fair share of both heroes and evil characters and is set to slip into the bad guy's shoes once more in new movie Safe House.

"It's clich to say, but bad guys have more fun," Denzel told US website ET Online.

"You can get away with moreIn playing a real character who's heroic, you're kind of stuck. There's only so much you can get away with. But [the] bad guy can say anything."

Denzel stars alongside Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynolds in the crime action film.

Ryan said it was inspiring to work with such a legendary actor and didn't hesitate in heaping praise on his co-star.

The Green Lantern star joked that his admiration for the movie icon was at times embarrassingly obvious.

"He's the best actor in the world. I'm not kidding about thatThe problem is that you get caught watching [him act] sometimes," he said.